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'Fateh' is an amateurishly made mess

The film revolves around a woman who unknowingly leads her fellow villagers into a cyber scam.

'Fateh' is an amateurishly made mess

Sonu Sood in 'Fateh'

SONU SOOD’S foray into writing, directing, producing, and starring in Fateh was ambitious, but his lack of success as a leading man cast a long shadow over this action drama. From the outset, Fateh was on shaky ground.

The film revolves around a woman who unknowingly leads her fellow villagers into a cyber scam.


When she goes missing while seeking justice, Fateh, an ex-special forces agent living undercover in the village, embarks on a mission to find her.

His quest unravels a cybercrime racket, transforming him into a oneman army bent on violent vengeance. Alongside an ethical hacker, Fateh wages war against the perpetrators.

Unfortunately, Fateh fails on nearly every front. The storyline, riddled with clichés and implausibilities, serves as little more than a vehicle for gory violence and indulgent action sequences. Even the international locations feel like a superficial attempt to inject grandeur into a lacklustre plot.

The film’s attempt to emulate successful action entertainers falls flat due to wooden performances, poorly developed characters, and laughable scenarios. Subplots are non-existent, and the lack of engaging music or light-hearted moments exacerbates the relentless absurdity onscreen.

Sonu Sood’s spirited attempt at delivering a compelling lead performance is undermined by weak material and uninspired direction.

Even the experienced supporting cast struggles with underwhelming roles, while Jacqueline Fernandez emerges as the most tolerable aspect of the film – a damning indictment given her own limited range. But do not be fooled into a false sense of security, as even she would likely struggle to sit through this rubbish.

Ultimately, Fateh is a colossal misfire that leaves little hope for Sood’s future as a director. Its inevitable appearance on streaming platforms should be avoided at all costs.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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